Toilet cover apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a toilet cover lifting apparatus comprising a toilet covering equipped with an integrated receiving port. The apparatus is also configured with a removable handle configured to couple to the receiving port. The length of the handle of the present invention is sufficient to provide increased mechanical advantage to a user of decreased mobility.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. Section119(e) of U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/713,217, filed Oct. 12, 2012,which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for assisting with theopening, lifting and lowering of a toilet seat, and toilet seat cover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The conventional method of raising and lowering a toilet seat has alwaysbeen less than desirable. The transference of germs, bacteria, anddisease is increased by human contact with the toilet. Many haveresorted to using feet, shoes, sticks, and other devices to preventhaving to touch the toilet. Such means for raising and lowering a toiletlid are not always reasonable or effective. Many devices have beenpresented which will raise and lower a lid, but such devices are eithertoo complex or require invasion of the toilet seat for mounting thedevices. And, leverages provided by such devices are often incorrectlyimposed. Grasping the lid back towards the lid hinge requires excessiveleverage until the lid approaches a near vertical, at which time theforce required to raise the lid is greatly diminished. Some devices haveoffered shock absorbing and cushioning efforts to try to counteract thisdesign flaw.

Additionally, with an ageing population, there has never been a greaterneed for providing an improved mechanism for the raising and loweringfor toilet facilities.

Basic design and proper leverage application, therefore, have long beenneeded in an apparatus that will raise and lower a toilet seat.

The prior art, herein incorporated by reference, provides a variety ofmechanisms for the raising and lowering of toilet facilities. By way ofexample, the prior art discloses in U.S. Pat. No. 4,584,724 a toiletseat lifting and lowering device; U.S. Pat. No. 4,649,576 discloses afoot-activated toilet seat lifting device; U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,988discloses a foot-operated toilet seat lifting and lowering mechanism;U.S. Pat. No. 5,103,506 discloses a toilet seat lifter; and

U.S. Pat. No. 5,237,708 discloses a foot actuated toilet seat lifting,anti-slamming, and reseating device. All of these prior art devicesprovide for toilet mechanics that are cumbersome and unsightly.

What is needed in the art is a toilet facilities lifting and loweringdevice that is well suited for senior or limited mobility users. What isalso needed is a device that is configured to provide an increasedmechanical advantage by providing additional leverage, while at the sametime providing a pleasing or unmodified appearance.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, theapparatus described provides unique structural elements that assist auser in raising or lowering a toilet covering. In one arrangement theapparatus described includes integrated receiving elements that arepoints of attachment for connecting a removable handle to a toilet seatand/or cover so as to allow a user to raise and lower the toilet seatparts.

In one example, the toilet set and cover are each equipped withconcealed handles that, when extracted, allow a greater surface area andleverage position for a user to engage. Through this increased leverage,a lower amount of force is needed to access the various functions of thetoilet seat and lid. Specifically, in one arrangement the apparatusdescribed by the present invention incorporates a toilet cover liftingapparatus comprising a toilet covering equipped with an integratedreceiving port and a removable handle configured to couple to thereceiving port, wherein the length of the handle is sufficient toprovide increased mechanical advantage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features of the present invention will be morereadily apparent from the following detailed description and drawings ofan exemplary arrangement of the elements of the device described inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A-B illustrates alternative views of FIG. 1 when the apparatus isengaged.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By way of overview and introduction, the apparatus disclosed hereinprovides for an instrument that allows a user to lift and/or lower atoilet seat and/or toilet cover using a removable or integrated handle.In one arrangement, the apparatus of the present invention is configuredto use removable handles and integrated receiving structures to allowfor increased leverage. Through the use of leverage, the amount of forceneeded to raise and lower the toilet seat and/or toilet cover is greatlyreduced. Those skilled in the art will quickly appreciate the variousmodifications of the apparatus and elements described herein.

As seen in FIG. 1 a front view of a toilet seat 106 as a portion of atoilet appliance 100 is provided. A detachable handle 102 is securedinto a receiver structure 104 which includes a flexible lever 110suitable for lifting the toilet seat. Upon application of force to thedetachable handle 102, the counteracting force from the flexible lever110 raises toilet seat 106 or covering from the base 108 of the toilet.In the illustrated arrangement, the lever 110 is configured such thatupon application of a downward for exerted by the detachable handle 102the lever exerts a raising force upon the toilet seat 106.

As seen in FIG. 2A, in one configuration, the lever pivots on, and usesthe toilet base 108 as a fulcrum to exert a lifting force on the toiletseat 106. Those skilled in the art will recognize that it is notnecessary to provide enough force to the lever such that the toilet seator cover reaches a resting vertical position. In the illustratedarrangement, a portion of the lever 110 (shown in dashed lines) isaffixed to the toilet base 108, either permanently or temporarily.

For example, as in FIG. 2B, the lever is equipped with a tab or flange112 designed to catch the edge of the opening to the interior bowl ofthe toilet. Upon exertion of a force through the removable handle to thelever, a corresponding force is exerted by the tab or flange on thetoilet base. As a result, a portion of the lever is configured to bendupwards so as to raise the toilet seat. It is envisioned in thedescribed apparatus and method of using it, to only lift the toilet seator cover to a sufficient height which an individual with limitedmobility is able to exert a manual force on the toilet seat of cover inorder to reach the resting vertical position.

In one configuration, the lever 110 is configured as incorporating aleaf spring construction. In an alternative configuration, the lever isused in conjunction with the toilet base to form a lever/fulcrummachine. In this arrangement, a vertical down force on one end of thelever, causes a corresponding upward force on an opposite end of thelever. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the lever andreceiving structure, in one configuration are integral to one anotherand formed of the same material. In another configuration, the lever andreceiving structure are formed of different materials.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that any of the structuralelements described are formed of metal, plastics, composite, or othermaterials suitable for the uses so described.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the device is also configurable so as to exertan upward force on the lever so as to raise the toilet seat or cover. Inthis arrangement, the removable handle is equipped with a plurality ofcouplings 202. Each coupling, spaced along the length of the removablehandle, is configured to increase the mechanical advantage of the userdepending on the coupling 202 chosen. In one arrangement, the couplings202 are configured as slots which are integral to the detachable handle102.

In a further configuration, the detachable handle 102 incorporatescoupling mechanisms to securely attach the couplings to the receivingportion of the lever. In one arrangement, the coupling mechanism is aconfigurable clamp which exerts a compressive force on the sides of thereceiving portion. In an alternative configuration, the detachablehandle 102 coupling mechanisms are a plurality of hook and looparticles, configured to removably attach themselves to correspondingstructures of the receiving structure. In this configuration, a user oroperator exerts upward force on the lever, secured by the couplings,such that the toilet seat or covering is raised in a uniform andconsisted way. In this arrangement the lever is selected of a rigidmaterial. The user inserts the lever underneath the toilet set,preferable in the spaces provides by cushions or risers integral to thetoilet seat. The user then connects the removable handle to the leverand raises the seat in a uniform manner.

The handle described is activated by either a foot or hand, depending onthe preference of the user. In a further configuration wherein theremovable handle is configured to have an extendable length to increasethe mechanical advantage exerted by the user.

In an alternative embodiment, the detachable handle 102 is co-extensivewith a disposable lever 110. In this configuration the detachable handleis attached to the lever. The lever 110 is inserted underneath thetoilet and is used to exert sufficient leverage so as to lift the toiletseat. After use, the lever is disposed of in a trash receptacle. In oneenvisioned embodiment, the hand held device is cable of being stored ina pocket of a user. Additionally, the device is stored in a portableenclosure for personal use with publically available levers 110.

In a further arrangement, the toilet lifting device is forked such thata flange of material is presented both above and below the toilet seat.In this configuration, the seat is secured through the entire range ofmovement, such that a user can effectuate a controlled raising orlowering of the toilet seat.

As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus is configured for use without a lever110. In this arrangement, the receptacle 104 is secured to a toilet seat106. This configuration allows the user to exert a lifting force byusing the removable handle 102 to raise both the receptacle 104 andtoilet seat 106 to the a vertical stationary position. Those skilled inthe art will recognize that the receptacle 104 is joined to the toiletseat 106, such that upon insertion of the handle 102, a secure lever isformed.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that various structuralarrangements are possible given the described apparatus. For example,the handle 102 is configured to be inserted along rails or otherguidelines which provide a secure channel for insertion. In thealternative, the handle is open at one end, and is configured to fitover a pin integral to the receiving structure 104. Likewise, the handleis equipped in one arrangement with a locking device such that uponinsertion of the handle, the device is secured to the receptacle. In afurther arrangement, the handle 102 is equipped with a disengagementmechanism which allows the user to disengage the handle from thereceptacle 104 without physically touching the receiving structure ortoilet seat 106. In one arrangement, the handle is equipped with aspring activated release, which is charged upon insertion with thereceptacle, and discharged with the press of a trigger or release.

As seen in FIG. 4 the receptacle is fashioned, in the alternative, as atab and lever arrangement 404 and 402. In this configuration the tab andlever arrangement provides a flange that extends beyond the profile ofthe toilet seat 106. The removable handle, in the illustratedarrangement is designed to be inserted into a receiving slot of the tabor lever. The tab and lever are incorporated into a portion of thetoilet seat or toilet cover. In a particular arrangement, a slot isarranged on either or both of the toilet seat 106 and the toilet seatcover. While multiple configurations of the tab and lever elementsillustrated are possible, it is envisioned that the slot is configuredfor easy insertion of the handle. For example, the envisioned slot hasdimensions which exceed the dimensions of the handle, thus reducing theneed for precision movements to couple the handle to the receiver.Alternatively, the handle is equipped with a locking mechanism whichallows the handle to be retained within the slot until such time as theuser desires the handle to be removed. Furthermore, it is envisionedthat the tab and lever are configured to be rotated when not in use. Inone position, the tab and lever are rotated such that the tab and leverare not visible, or only slightly visible to a user. Upon rotation ofthe tab and lever, the tab extends beyond the edge of the toilet seatand is connected to the removable handle.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tab and slot are arranged such that it isan additional piece of equipment which is affixed to the toilet seat ortoilet cover. In the alternative the handle slot is located and integralwithin the body of the toilet seat.

In an alternative arrangement, the toilet seat 106 is configured withintegrated handles affixed or co-extensive with the toilet seat. Thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the handles as depicted in FIG.5 are likewise applicable to a toilet seat cover.

Furthermore, the apparatus of the present invention also envisions theuse of removable handles stored in a portion of the toilet seat. In thisconfiguration, the handles are configurable such that they can bechanged to effectuate stylistic changes. Those skilled in the art willappreciate that the handles are retractable such that they are notvisible when not in use. In a further arrangement, it is envisioned thatthese removable handles are configured with various sliding or groovedattachments. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe described handles are affixed with slots or tabs or runners, whichare mated with complementary portions on a surface of the toilet seat.When combined, this configuration allows for movement of the handles toextend beyond the edges of the seat or cover. Alternatively, the handlesare equipped with means to move about the toilet seat at the preferenceof the user. In a further arrangement, the handles are able to swingfreely beyond the edges of the toilet seat and/or cover so as to beaccessible by the user. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that itis possible to combine these elements to provide for hybrid designswhich maximize the leverage and stability of the handle.

The apparatus so described is also configurable for used in a method orseries of steps of providing increased leverage to an individual to lifta toilet seat. In one arrangement the present invention includes amethod of raising or lowering a toilet covering using an optionallyengaged handle, wherein the toilet covering is equipped with anintegrated receiving port configured to accept a portion of the handleincorporating the steps of inserting the handle into the integratedreceiving port. Also provided is a step for applying a vertical force tothe handle to raise or lower the toilet covering. Furthermore thedescribed method includes a step for removing the handle from theintegrated receiving port. Those skilled in the art will recognize thatvarious additional steps are envisioned which allow the user to set theposition of the handle relative to the toilet seat, steps to configurethe removable handle to engage with the receiving portion. Furthermore,additional steps are envisioned that are applicable to selecting thedirection of force to be exerted on the lever based on the type of leverused in the apparatus.

It should be understood that various combinations, alternatives andmodifications of the present invention could be devised by those skilledin the art. The present invention is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope ofthe appended claims.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may bemade therein without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A toilet cover lifting apparatus comprising: A toiletcovering equipped with an integrated receiving port; A removable handleconfigured to couple to the receiving port, wherein the length of thehandle is sufficient to provide increased mechanical advantage.
 2. Thetoilet cover lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the integratedreceiving port is configured with magnetic elements and the removablehandle is equipped with magnetic element of an opposing polarity.
 3. Thetoilet cover lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein the removable handleis configured to have an extendable length to increase the mechanicaladvantage.
 4. The toilet cover lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein theremovable handle is configured with multiple coupling points eachcoupling port configured to provide a different level of mechanicaladvantage.
 5. The toilet cover lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein theintegrated receiving port is configured to be positioned within thetoilet covering, such that the profile of the toilet covering is notdisrupted.
 6. The toilet cover lifting apparatus of claim 1, wherein theintegrated receiving port is hinged so as to be rotated from a engageposition such that the integrated receiving port extends beyond asurface of the toilet covering, to a disengaged position such that theintegrated receiving port stored between the toilet seat and a toiletdevice.
 7. A toilet cover lifting apparatus comprising: an apparatusconfigured to be selectively engaged to a toilet seat, the apparatusconfigured with a handle member, the handle member is coupled to alifting member, the lifting member equipped with a plurality of recessesconfigured to accept the insertion of a portion of a toilet cover. 8.The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the handle is formed of a flexiblematerial such that the handle is configured to bend in relation to thelifting member when a force is applied to the handle which isperpendicular to the degree of movement of the toilet cover.
 9. A toiletcover lifting apparatus comprising: A removable handle configured beoptionally engaged with a toilet covering and used to raise or lower thetoilet covering. a method of raising or lowering a toilet covering usingan optionally engaged handle, wherein the toilet covering is equippedwith an integrated receiving port configured to accept a portion of thehandle incorporating the steps of: inserting the handle into theintegrated receiving port; applying a vertical force to the handle toraise or lower the toilet covering removing the handle from theintegrated receiving port.